Games flame: Chief Executive Donald Tsang passes a torch to the Hong Kong athletes' representative. On his left is delegation head, Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang today presented the Hong Kong flag to the 180-strong Hong Kong delegation to the 10th National Games, which will be held in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province from October 12 to 23.

The National Games, which are held every four years, are the proving ground for  top athletes from across the country.

The Hong Kong delegation will take part in 23 events: the triathlon, fencing, windsurfing, skating, beach volleyball, hockey, badminton, tennis, gymnastics, judo, weightlifting, rowing, cycling, table-tennis, baseball, wushu, shooting, swimming - including water polo, equestrian events, handball, archery, athletics and canoeing.

At today's flag presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Park Sports Centre, Mr Tsang a torch to four representatives of the Hong Kong delegation. It was brought from Beijing last month to symbolise the spirit of the National Games.

The torch will be sent to Nanjing to converge with torches from across the country at a special ceremony on September 22.